When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Instead of honor, the verse pairs pride with disgrace, highlighting that the outcome of arrogance isn't just embarrassment, but utter ruin. But what's truly striking is that wisdom isn't presented as the opposite of disgrace, but as the direct companion of humility. It reveals that true wisdom isn't about being clever or knowledgeable, but about having a low opinion of yourself, which strangely opens you up to God's understanding.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs 11 that contrasts the ways of the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the outcomes of their differing attitudes. It follows discussions about the dangers of dishonest scales and wealth gained unjustly, setting up a pattern of cause and effect related to character and consequence. This verse then directly contrasts pride with humility, framing wisdom as the direct reward of a humble spirit, which in turn leads to better, safer paths.
Ever seen someone's arrogance lead to their downfall? This verse tells us exactly why that happens, and it’s not just bad luck.
The first part of this verse lays out a clear cause-and-effect: 'When pride comes, then comes disgrace.' It's a powerful statement about the destructive nature of arrogance. Pride isn't just an inflated ego; it's a fundamental miscalculation of our own worth and our place in the world. It blinds us to our flaws and makes us resistant to correction. This leads to actions that are foolish, offensive, or simply out of touch with reality, inevitably resulting in shame and contempt from others, and often, divine displeasure.
Think about it: When we think we know it all, we stop listening. When we believe we're better than others, we alienate them. When we're so focused on our own perceived greatness, we stumble over the simple truths that could have saved us. The disgrace isn't accidental; it's the natural consequence of a life lived on a foundation of pride.
The verse offers a powerful counterpoint to pride. It's not just about avoiding shame, but about gaining something far more valuable.
The second half of Proverbs 11:2 presents the humble as the recipients of wisdom: 'but with the humble is wisdom.' This isn't just a passive state; humility is the fertile ground where true wisdom can take root and flourish. Unlike the proud, who are 'unteachable' and self-assured, the humble recognize their limitations and are open to learning.
Humility allows us to see ourselves and the world more clearly. It keeps us grounded, open to guidance, and receptive to truth. It's like a low-lying area that naturally fills with water; the humble heart, recognizing its need, is filled with God's wisdom. This wisdom guides us away from the foolish, shame-inducing actions that pride leads to, and instead, sets us on a path of understanding and right living.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
zadon · Hebrew Noun
An arrogant, haughty attitude that elevates oneself above others and, ultimately, above God. It is the root of sinful rebellion and leads to inevitable downfall, as it refuses to acknowledge dependence on the Creator.
tsenuim · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The state of being lowly in spirit, teachable, and submissive to God. It is the opposite of pride and is considered a virtue because it opens the heart to divine instruction and grace.
This verse directly echoes Proverbs 11:2 by stating 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,' reinforcing the inevitable downfall that follows arrogance.
Luke 14:11Jesus teaches a similar principle, 'For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted,' directly aligning with the 'pride leads to shame' and 'humility leads to wisdom' dynamic.
James 4:6This passage explains *why* God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble, providing a theological grounding for the wisdom found in humility mentioned in Proverbs 11:2.
1 Samuel 2:3Hannah's prayer beautifully encapsulates the reversal described in Proverbs 11:2, declaring, 'Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed,' showing God's discernment of pride and wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33This verse states, 'The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor comes humility,' which parallels Proverbs 11:2 by linking humility to wisdom and suggesting it's the precursor to true honor, not pride.
pooleProverbs 11:2: "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom."
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; pride, as it is the effect of folly, so it bringeth a man to contempt and destruction, such persons being commonly hated both by God and by all men. With the lowly is wisdom; whereby they are kept from those foolish and wicked actions which expose men to shame.
ellicottProverbs 11:2: "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom."
(2) Then cometh shame. —For they have not the grace of God to keep them from falling. (See above on Proverbs 6:17 .)
Instead of honor, the verse pairs pride with disgrace, highlighting that the outcome of arrogance isn't just embarrassment, but utter ruin. But what's truly striking is that wisdom isn't presented as the opposite of disgrace, but as the direct companion of humility. It reveals that true wisdom isn't about being clever or knowledgeable, but about having a low opinion of yourself, which strangely opens you up to God's understanding.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs 11 that contrasts the ways of the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the outcomes of their differing attitudes. It follows discussions about the dangers of dishonest scales and wealth gained unjustly, setting up a pattern of cause and effect related to character and consequence. This verse then directly contrasts pride with humility, framing wisdom as the direct reward of a humble spirit, which in turn leads to better, safer paths.
This proverb is part of a larger section in Proverbs 11 that contrasts the ways of the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the outcomes of their differing attitudes. It follows discussions about the dangers of dishonest scales and wealth gained unjustly, setting up a pattern of cause and effect related to character and consequence. This verse then directly contrasts pride with humility, framing wisdom as the direct reward of a humble spirit, which in turn leads to better, safer paths.
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." — Instead of honor, the verse pairs pride with disgrace, highlighting that the outcome of arrogance isn't just embarrassment, but utter ruin. But what's truly striking is that wisdom isn't presented as…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026